Major Fire Ravages Ghaziabad Apartment, Family Escapes Unharmed
A devastating fire broke out in a high-rise society in Ghaziabad on Friday afternoon, completely gutting a third-floor apartment. The incident occurred around 1 pm at Classic Residency in Raj Nagar Extension, with no casualties reported as the family residing in the flat was out at the time. However, fire department officials confirmed extensive property damage, leaving the 2 BHK space in ruins.
Firefighters Battle Blaze Amid Delayed Response
Residents first noticed the flames around 1 pm, prompting immediate action from maintenance staff and security guards who attempted to control the fire using society equipment. The fire department was alerted, but response times were criticized. Vikash Chaudhary, president of the Apartment Owners' Association, highlighted that the nearest fire station in Kotwali is 30 minutes away, despite over 40 high-rise societies in Raj Nagar Extension lacking a local fire station.
Ghaziabad's Chief Fire Officer Rahul Pal stated that they received the call at 1.21 pm, dispatching two fire tenders from Kotwali and the collectorate. It took nearly 25 minutes to bring the flames under control. "We managed to salvage flat documents, two gold bangles, and one gold ring. Everything else was destroyed," Pal said, underscoring the severity of the loss.
Suspected Cause and Second Fire Incident
Investigations suggest the fire may have been triggered by an earthen lamp (diya) left burning in one of the rooms during worship. The flames quickly spread to the kitchen, engulfing the entire apartment owned by Rakesh Nigam. Video footage accessed by media shows flames rushing through the flat and smoke billowing from the balcony, affecting residents on upper floors.
In a separate incident later that day, a second fire erupted in a warehouse storing paint and thinner in the Kotwali area around 4 pm. Fire officials suspect a short circuit as the cause, with two fire tenders dispatched to the scene and bringing the blaze under control within 30 minutes.
Community and Safety Concerns Raised
The twin fires have sparked concerns over fire safety infrastructure in Ghaziabad. Residents expressed frustration over the delayed emergency response, emphasizing the need for better preparedness in densely populated areas. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with electrical faults and unattended flames, urging authorities to enhance fire prevention measures and station accessibility.
